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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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Pirates Rookie Konnor Griffin Begins Rehab Assignment; Jared Jones Cleared of Elbow Damage
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has started a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona after being sidelined since May 31 with a right forearm strain. Meanwhile, pitcher Jared Jones was cleared of elbow damage after being hit by a line drive and is expected to start against Cincinnati if he completes a bullpen session without issue.
Quick Facts
Who
Konnor Griffin
What
Griffin begins rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona
When
Tuesday night
Where
Pittsburgh
- Griffin begins rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona
- Griffin sidelined since May 31 with right forearm strain
- Griffin signs nine-year contract worth $140 million
- Further imaging on Jones' right elbow reveals no damage
- Jones exits Sunday's game after being hit by line drive
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin began a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday night, the club announced, marking a key step in his recovery from a right forearm strain that has sidelined him since May 31.
Griffin, 20, made his major league debut with the Pirates on April 3 and signed a nine-year, $140 million contract just five days later. In 51 games this season, he has posted a .270 batting average with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. The team has not set a specific timetable for his activation from the injured list.
“We’re going to take it day by day and just see how he’s responding to everything,” manager Don Kelly said before Tuesday’s game against Seattle. “Sounds like yesterday and today went well with the challenging throws on relays and stuff in the hole. Just get him back into game action and see how he’s doing with the arm, rhythm and timing of the at-bats. Look to get him back up here soon, hopefully.”
In separate injury news, further imaging on right-hander Jared Jones’ right elbow showed no structural damage after he exited Sunday’s game in the third inning when he was hit by a line drive from Colorado’s JT Rumfield. The team said Jones will start against Cincinnati on Saturday if he completes a bullpen session without incident on Wednesday.
Topics
Why This Matters
For fantasy baseball managers and Pirates fans, Griffin’s rehab assignment provides a potential timeline for his return to the majors, where he signed a record nine-year, $140 million contract. Jones’ clearance from elbow damage removes a major injury concern for Pittsburgh’s rotation, keeping their top arms healthy for the stretch run.
Timeline & Sources
Apr 3, 2026
WireKonnor Griffin makes MLB debut with Pittsburgh Pirates
Apr 8, 2026
WireGriffin signs nine-year, $140 million contract
May 31, 2026
WireGriffin suffers right forearm strain and is placed on injured list
Jun 21, 2026
WireJared Jones exits game after being hit by line drive from JT Rumfield
Jun 23, 2026
WireGriffin begins rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona; imaging shows no elbow damage for Jones
Jun 24, 2026
WireJones expected to throw bullpen session
Jun 27, 2026
WireJones could start against Cincinnati if bullpen goes well